Blackjack variation with automatically eliminated card

ABSTRACT

A method to implement a blackjack variation where when the dealer is resolving the dealer&#39;s hand, if the dealer&#39;s point total is a preset total then the dealer would automatically burn a card in the dealer&#39;s hand (such as the last card dealt to the dealer). The preset total can be 21, so that whenever the dealer&#39;s point total (after the dealer is done resolving the dealer&#39;s hand) is 21 the dealer would burn a card in the dealer&#39;s hand and thus the dealer would typically have to draw another card which could result in a better outcome for the player (e.g., the dealer&#39;s could bust or end up with a point total less than 21).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/219,697 (which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety),which: A) claims benefit to U.S. provisional application 61/448,189,filed on Mar. 1, 2011, which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety; and B) claims benefit to U.S. provisional application61/448,193, filed on Mar. 1, 2011, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety; and C) also claims benefit to U.S. provisionalapplication 61/448,642, filed on Mar. 2, 2011, which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present general inventive concept is directed to a method,apparatus, and computer readable storage medium directed to a blackjackvariation that can be played in a casino or on the Internet.

2. Description of the Related Art

The casino game of blackjack is well known, for example see U.S. Patentpublication 2003/0155715 which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of implementing the knowngame of blackjack.

Points totals are computed by adding the standard rank value of eachcard, with face valued cards (tens, jacks, queens, kings) being given avalue of 10, and aces being given a value of 1 or 11, whichever resultsin a better hand. A soft point total is where at least one ace is giventhe value of 11. A hard point total is a hand with all aces counting as1.

In operation 100, the player makes a main wager by placing chips on atable. Then, in operation 102, the dealer deals two initial cards toeach player (either face up or face down) and two initial cards to thedealer, typically one face down (“hole-card”), and one face up (the“up-card”). Then the player can decide whether to hit, stand, double, orsplit. If the player decides to hit, then the method proceeds tooperation 106, which deals an additional card to a player. If adetermination 108 determines that the player has busted (the player'shard point total is over 21), then the player loses the game and thusloses the main wager in operation 110, which ends the game. If thedetermination 108 determines that the player has not busted, then themethod returns to operation 104, where the player can make anotherdecision whether to hit or stand. In operation 104, the player can alsodouble (not pictured) by place an additional wager of up to the mainwager, but the player is limited to drawing only one additional cardbefore the player must stand.

If the player stands and has not busted out (either stands on his or herinitial two cards or draws cards but has a point total under 22 and thenstands), then the method proceeds to operation 112, which reveals alldealer's cards (e.g., turns the hole-card face up) and which then playsout the dealer's hand according to predetermined rules. In operation114, if the dealer's total is greater than a predetermined amount(typically 17), then the dealer stands (proceeds to operation 122). Ifthe dealer's total is not greater than the predetermined amount, themethod proceeds to operation 116 which deals an additional card to thedealer. If it is then determined 118 that the dealer has not busted (hasa point total over 21), the method returns to operation 114. If thedealer has busted, then the player wins the game and the main wager inoperation 120 (this assumes the player has not also busted; if theplayer has already busted then the player would have lost in operation110).

In operation 122, both the player and the dealer have played out theirhand and neither have busted. Thus, their respective point totals(adding the numerical values of each card in the hand) are compared. Ifthe dealer's point total is determined in operation 124 to be lower thanthe player's point total, then the player wins the game and the mainwager in operation 120. Otherwise, if the dealer's point total isdetermined 128 to be greater than the player's point total, then theplayer loses the game and the main wager in operation 130. If theplayer's point total ties the dealer's point total, then that results ina “push” in operation 126 in which the player doesn't win or lose themain wager (the main wager bet is a wash).

If a player is initially dealt two identically ranked cards in operation102, players can also split in operation 104 by placing an additionalsplit wager equal in value to the main wager, and the player's twoinitial cards are separated and the dealer deals an additional card oneach. The player then plays out each of the two separate hands, eachfrom operation 104. Depending on house rules, players may or may not beallowed to resplit cards.

One disadvantage of the prior art game of blackjack is that players getupset when the dealer is initial dealt a good hand (such as a pointtotal of 20). What is needed is a new and entertaining version ofblackjack which minimizes players' frustration by the dealer receivinggood hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an exciting casinogame.

The above aspects can be obtained by a method that comprises (a)providing a physical gaming table and a physical deck(s) of cards; (b)receiving a wager from a player; (c) dealing a player's hand and adealer's hand; (d) enabling the player to play out the player's hand;(e) providing dealer hand resolution rules that comprise: A) if a pointtotal of the dealer's hand is greater than a predetermined point totalthen proceed to operation B otherwise dealing an additional card to thedealer's hand and return to operation A; B) if a point total of thedealer's hand is a preset total then burning a card in the dealer's handand return to operation A); (f) implementing the dealer hand resolutionrules; and (g) resolving the wager according to the predeterminedblackjack rules.

The above aspects can also be obtained by an apparatus that includes (a)physical casino with a (b) physical gaming table with a felt layout ontop of the gaming table which includes a plurality of betting circlesimprinted into the felt layout; (b) one or more physical decks of cards;(c) physical chips; (d) a mechanical card shuffler; (e) a set of rulescomprising: (i) the player places a wager in the form of one or morephysical chips in a player's betting circle out of the plurality ofbetting circles; (ii) the dealer deals, using the one or more physicaldecks of cards, a player's hand and a dealer's hand; (iii) the playerplays out the player's hand; (iv) the dealer resolves the dealer's handaccording to dealer hand resolution rules that comprise: A) if a pointtotal of the dealer's hand is greater than a predetermined point totalthen proceed to operation B otherwise dealing an additional card to thedealer's hand and return to operation A; B) if a point total of thedealer's hand is a preset total then burning a card in the dealer's handand return to operation A); and (v) the wager is resolved according tothe predetermined blackjack rules. The set of rules would be printed ona rule card which is distributed at the table to players.

These together with other aspects and advantages which will besubsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as thestructure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention,will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of implementing the knowngame of blackjack;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of implementing adealer burn procedure, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a drawing illustrating a gaming table, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an electronic player trackingsystem associated with each gaming table, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating exemplary hardware that can beused to implement an electronic version of the methods described herein;

FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary networkconfiguration to implement a player playing an online version of themethods described herein;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of burning adealer's card when the dealer's final total is a preset total, accordingto an embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of burning adealer's card when the dealer's final total is a preset total and thedealer's hand is form using more than two cards, according to anembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements throughout.

The present inventive concept relates to a method, apparatus, andcomputer readable storage medium to implement a blackjack side bet.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of implementing the knowngame of blackjack.

In general, casino blackjack is played by one or more players at agaming table against a dealer using one or more decks of cards (eachdeck can be a standard 52 card deck). The idea is for the player to makea point total closest to 21 without going over 21 (busting). Each player(after making a main wager) is dealt two initial cards (typically faceup) and the dealer is also dealt two cards (one face up—the upcard, andone face down—the hole card). The player can stand on his or her initialtwo cards, or continuously hit (take another card) until the playerstands or the player's point total is over 21 (upon which the playerautomatically loses). If the player has not busted, then after theplayer stands the dealer will play out the dealer's hand according topredetermined rules. One set of dealer predetermined rules is asfollows: the dealer will continuously hit until the dealer's point totalis greater than 16. Once the dealer has resolved the dealer's hand, thewager is resolved. If the player has busted then the player loses (themain wager). If the player has not busted but the dealer has busted (thedealer's point total is over 21) then the player wins (wins even moneyon the main wager). If both the player and the dealer have not busted,then if the player's point total is higher than the dealer's point totalthen the player wins (wins even money on the main wager). If both theplayer and the dealer have no busted, then if the dealer's point totalis higher than the player's point total then the dealer wins (the playerloses the main wager). If the player's point total equals the dealer'spoint total, then the main wager pushes (neither wins nor loses). Otheroptions the player may have at his or her disposal is to double down orsplit. Cards are given their standard numerical value (i.e., aces countas 1 or 11 (whichever makes the best hand), 2's-10's count as theirrespective face value, jacks, queens, and kings all count as 10).

The present inventive concept is a blackjack game that incorporates a“dealer burn procedure” in which a dealer will automatically burn thedealer's initial hand (initial two cards dealt) if the two cards areboth 10-valued cards. The dealer will burn these two cards by removingthe two dealer's cards and placing them into the discard rack, and thendealing the dealer two new cards (an up-card and a hole-card face down),and then the game is continued. In this manner, the dealer would beunlikely to have a point total of 20 (the only ways the dealer wouldhave a point total of 20 is if the dealer has achieved the point totalof 20 using more than two cards (e.g., 7, 8, 5), if the dealer burns two10 cards (both the dealer's up-card and hole-card are 10-valued cards)only to receive another two card point total of 20, or if the dealer isdealt an ace and a 9).

Players would typically find this version of blackjack attractivebecause players do not like when the dealer receives a point total of 20(because this means the dealer has a very strong hand. Thus, the dealerwould be unlikely to have a point total of 20 and thus players wouldtypically find the game less stressful when the player has a 10-showing.In addition, this would change the player strategy and provide theplayer more opportunities to double down and split since the dealerwould have a point total of 20 with much less frequency than the priorart version of blackjack.

In FIG. 1, operations 104 to 110 are where the player plays out theplayer's hand (e.g., hits, stands, doubles, splits, etc.) Operations 112to 118 are where the dealer plays out the dealer's hand (e.g., continuesto hit until the dealer's point total reaches a predetermined amount).

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of implementing adealer burn procedure, according to an embodiment.

In a first embodiment, operations 200-206 can be performed in betweenoperations 102-104 of FIG. 1 (i.e., insert FIG. 2 in between operations102 and 104).

The dealer burn procedure would start with operation 200, whichdetermines if the dealer's up-card is a 10-valued card (10, jack, queen,or king, with suits being irrelevant) and only a 10-valued card. Sinceup-cards are dealt up, this can be determined by visual inspection. Ifnot, then the method proceeds to operation 206 which continues the gameas if nothing has happened.

If in operation 200, the dealer's up-card is a 10-valued card, then themethod proceeds to operation 202, which determines if the dealer'shole-card is a 10-valued card (and only a 10-valued card). The dealercan peek at the dealer's hole-card. This can be done in a number ofways. The dealer can physically peek at the hole-card by crimping thecard and looking under without revealing the card to the players. Or,the dealer can use a mechanical (or electronic) hole-card reader whichcan determine if the hole-card is a 10-valued card (or other programmedvalue) without the dealer knowing the value of the card (unless thehole-card is a 10). Such a device is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,681,039, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Ifthe dealer's hole-card is not a 10-valued card, then the method proceedsto operation 206, which continues the game as if nothing has happened.

If in operation 202, it is determined that the dealer's hole card is a10-valued card (meaning the dealer has a two-card point total of 20),then the method proceeds to operation 204, which burns the dealer's twocards (both the dealer's up-card and the dealer's hole-card) and deals(also known as “redealing”) the dealer two new cards, one face up(upcard) and one face down (hole-card). These two new cards are thenused as a compete replacement to the original dealer's two cards. Theterm “burn” generally means to discard the cards and not use themfurther when completing the game. What actually happens to the burnedcards (e.g., whether they are placed in the discard rack or elsewhere isnot important). The method then proceeds to operation 206. In analternate embodiment, operation 204 would not burn and redeal both thedealer's initial two cards (as described above), but only one (eitherthe up-card or the hole-card while keeping the other). Thus, forexample, if the dealer had an up-card of 10 and a hole-card of 10, thedealer would burn the hole-card and redeal the hole card (e.g., a newcard is dealt as the hole-card face down but the original up-card iskept, or alternatively a new card is dealt as the up-card while the samehole-card is kept). In this manner, the dealer keeps one 10-valued cardbut not both (although of course the redealed card could also be a 10valued card).

From operations 200, 202, or 204 (depending on what happened during theprocedure), the method continues to operation 206 which continues theblackjack game (e.g., the next operations in FIG. 1 can be performedsuch as operation 104).

It is noted that the method described above with regard to FIG. 2 isperformed in between operations 102 and 104, so that if the dealer hadtwo 10-valued cards as the up-card/hole-card) then they were bothreplaced with newly dealt random cards (a new up-card and a newhole-card). Note that if the dealer has an ace and 9 as the two initialcards, this would be a point total of 20 but would not be subjected tothe burn/replacement (operation 204). Thus, the player will face adealer's point total of 20 much less frequently than standard blackjack.

In a second embodiment of the game, operations 200-206 of FIG. 2 wouldbe performed in between operations 112 to 114 of FIG. 1 (instead of inbetween operations 102 to 104 as described in the first embodiment). Inthis embodiment, the player would also face a dealer point total of 20less frequently than standard blackjack, however, the player would havealready made his or her playing decisions. Thus, for example, if theplayer had busted (achieved a point total greater than 21), then theplayer would still be out of the game regardless of whether the dealerburned the dealer's two cards or not. In this embodiment, it would notbe necessary for the dealer to have to peek at the hole card (withoutthe players seeing it) since the dealer's cards have already beenrevealed (in operation 112).

It is noted that FIG. 2 illustrates the concept of burn conditions. Ifthe dealer's cards meet the burn conditions, then the dealer would burnthe dealer's cards in operation 204. If the dealer's cards do not meetthe burn conditions, then the dealer would not burn the dealer's cards.The burn conditions can remain constant throughout the game or they canchange (e.g., after a first burn then the burn condition changes). Ofcourse, after each game is over and a new game is dealt, the burnconditions are reset (in other words if a burn is performed in one game,it has no effect on a subsequent game).

The second embodiment could be applied to the “European hole card rule”,wherein the dealer is not dealt a hole card but only an up-card inoperation 102. After all of the players at the table have played outtheir respective hands, then the dealer deals himself/herself a secondcard face up in operation 112 (this would serve as the hole-card butthere is no need now to deal it face down since all players have madetheir decisions). After the dealer's second card is dealt, thenoperations 200-206 are performed, and then the game can continue withoperation 114.

In a further embodiment, from operation 204, the method would return tooperation 200 (instead of proceeding to operation 206). In this manner,if the dealer burned two 10-cards (cards with a value of 10, e.g., any10, jack, queen, and king) and the dealer again received two 10-cards,the dealer would burn the second two 10-cards (and all future two10-cards) until the dealer was dealt two initial cards (up-card,hole-card) that was not two 10-cards (or does not meet the burncondition). In this embodiment, it would be impossible for the dealer tohave an initial point total of 20 using two cards (unless the two cardsare an ace and 9), although of course the dealer would still be able toachieve a point total of 20 using three or more cards). In a furthervariation of this embodiment, the dealer may burn a predetermined numberof two 10 cards (e.g., two or three) before keeping the next two10-cards. For example, a predetermined house rule may provide that thedealer will burn at most two two-10 cards (two different sets ofinitially dealt 10-cards), for example: if the dealer were dealt a firsttwo 10 cards, burned that and dealt himself/herself another two10-cards, the dealer would burn that one as well, and then if the dealerdealt himself/herself a third two 10-cards, the dealer would not burnthat one but would have to keep it (because the dealer has reached thelimit). This cap on burning hands avoids a potential “infinite loop” ofcontinuing to burn cards from the shoe/deck.

It is noted that when implementing a subsequent burn procedure (asdescribed above) wherein after an initial burn another burn procedure isimplemented (going from operation 204 back to operation 200), thecriterion for burning would remain the same. However, in an alternativeembodiment, the criterion for burning in a subsequent burn can bedifferent than the initial burn. For example, the criteria for aninitial burn can be that the dealer's two initial cards are two10-valued cards, and then the criteria for a subsequent burn is that thedealer's two new cards (after a burn the two new cards dealt to thedealer (not dealer's draw cards)) will be burned if both cards form ablackjack (one card is a 10 and the other card is an ace or vice-versa).Thus, for example, consider a game where the initial burn condition isthat both dealer's initial cards are each 10-valued cards, and thesubsequent burn condition is that both dealer's new cards are both10-valued cards or form a blackjack. Thus, if the dealer is initiallydealt an ace up and a 10 in the hole card, this would not be burned andplay would continue normally. However, if the dealer is initially dealta king and a jack (two 10-valued cards), then these would be burned andif the dealer is now dealt an ace up-card and a 10 in hole-card, thesewould be burned also and another new pair of dealer cards (up-card,hole-card) would be dealt to the dealer. Typically, all subsequent burnprocedures (not including the initial burn procedure) would have thesame burn conditions, although it is not required.

In another embodiment, the game can have a dealer burn condition whichwill burn the dealer's cards when either: a) both of the dealer's cardsare 10-valued cards; or b) if the dealer's up-card is an 10-valued cardand the dealer's hole-card is a suited ace (which matches the suit ofthe 10-valued up card) then these cards will be burned also. If thehole-card is not a suited ace (or a 10-valued card) then there would beno burn.

In yet a further embodiment, operation 200 would determine if thedealer's up-card is either a 10-valued card or an ace (instead of just a10-valued card). In this embodiment, if the dealer has an ace-upblackjack (the dealer's hole-card is a 10-valued card) this wouldtrigger a burn and deal (operation 204), thus reducing the frequency thedealer receives blackjack.

In yet a further embodiment, operation 200 would determine if thedealer's up-card is either 10-valued card or an ace (instead of just a10-valued card) and operation 202 would: A) if the dealer's up-card isan ace—determine if the hole-card is 10-valued card; B) if the dealer'sup-card is a 10-valued card—determine if the hole-card is either a10-valued card or an ace. Another way of phrasing operations 200-202would be to determine whether the dealer's initial two cards is either ablackjack or comprises two 10-cards. Only if one of these conditions ismet (the dealer's initial two cards are either a blackjack or are two10-cards) then operation 204 is performed. In this embodiment, it wouldnot be possible for the dealer to be dealt a blackjack or two 10-cardswithout triggering a burn and deal (operation 204).

In a less preferred embodiment, operation 200 could check the dealer'shole-card and operation 202 could check the dealer's up-card.

The methods described herein provide the player with an advantage overstandard blackjack in that the number of times the dealer receives aninitial hand of 20 is reduced. Therefore, if a player were to playoptimal strategy for this game, the player would have an advantage overthe house. Thus, in order for the casino to profit from this game, anequalizing element must be added to the game in order so that the houseadvantage is maintained. One way this can be done is by implementing thegame with a “push on 22” feature. This feature is described in U.S. Pat.No. 7,435,172, which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. In this embodiment, when the player has not busted and thedealer busts (“yes” from operation 118) with a dealer's point total of22 (but not 23 or higher), the player's wager (made in operation 100)would push (instead of winning as in operation 120). Other dealer pointtotals besides 22 (e.g., 23, 24, 25, or 26) can be used to push theplayer's wager. This feature gives the house an additional advantage(since players would win more by winning instead of pushing).Alternatively, instead of using the “push on 22” feature as theequalizing element, other equalizing elements can be used as well. Someother known equalizing elements are paying even money on blackjacks,using a Spanish deck (a standard deck with all 10's removed), etc.

Table I below illustrates one sample set of rules. Of course anycombination of rule changes can be used.

TABLE I 1.   The game is played using six standard 52-card decks. 2.  To begin, the player makes a wager. 3.   The dealer deals two cardsface up to the player. He deals to himself, one card face up and onecard face down. 4.   If the dealer's up card is any 10, the dealer willpeek at his hole card and burn both cards if he has either a suitedblackjack or 20 points. The dealer will then deal two new cards tohimself, one face up and one face down. After a first burn, with an aceor 10 up card, the dealer will peek at his hole card and burn both cardsif he has either a blackjack (suited or off suit) or any two 10's. Thisprocess will continue until the dealer's hand does not consist of ablackjack or any two 10's. 5.   The game then proceeds using thefollowing blackjack rules:      a) Blackjacks pay 3 to 2.      b)Players may double down on any two cards, including after splitting.     c) Players may re-split pairs any number of times, excluding aces.     d) Aces may be split once and receive one card only.      e) Thedealer stands on soft 17's.      f) A dealer total of 22 points isconsidered a push against any player total of 21 or      less. A playerblackjack will still beat a dealer 22.      g) If the dealer's up cardis an ace, players may take insurance for up to half of      theirwager. Insurance pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack.

Any combination/set of rule variation can be used, possible rulevariations include (but not limited) to: number of decks used (1, 2, 4,6, 8, or continuous shuffling machine); blackjack pays 6:5 vs. 3:2 vs.1:1; dealer hits soft 17's (vs. stands on soft 17's ); the player isallowed to double on any number of cards (vs. being allowed to double ononly the first two cards); the player is allowed to re-split aces (vs.not being allowed to re-split aces); the player is allowed to re-splitpairs any number of times (vs. only being allowed to split pairs one,twice, three times, or other number); the player is allowed to surrender(except when the dealer has blackjack) their first to cards in exchangefor receiving 50% of their bet back (vs. not being allowed tosurrender); a dealer bust on 22 could push the player's live bets(instead of pay them) vs. any other mechanism to give the house anadvantage.

It is noted that if the criteria for burning is that the two dealer'scards are each 10-valued cards, then an ace and a 9 would not be burned(because this is not two 10-valued cards, even though it totals 20).However, in an alternative embodiment, a condition for burning can beused where the first two dealer's cards total 20 (regardless of theircomposition), and in this embodiment, all 20's would be burned (evenusing an ace and a 9).

Table II below is an example of a set of burn conditions (both initialfor the first two dealer's cards and subsequent for after the dealer'sfirst burn) that can be used. Of course, numerous such conditions can bedevised and implemented. In some embodiments, there would be nosubsequent burn conditions because all subsequent burn conditions wouldbe the same as the initial burn conditions. In one embodiment, thedealer's cards can be burned a maximum of one time. In anotherembodiment, the dealer's card can be burned a maximum of a predeterminednumber of times (e.g., 3). In another embodiment, there is no limit tothe number of times the dealer's cards can be burned (of course as longas the dealer's cards keep meeting the required burn conditions).

TABLE II Initial burn condition:   a) if both dealer's cards are10-valued cards; or   b) if the dealer's up-card is a 10-valued card andthe dealer's hole-card is a suited ace; subsequent burn condition:   c)if both the dealer's cards are 10-valued cards; or   d) if both thedealer's cards form any blackjack.

Table III below illustrates a set of complete rules for one embodimentof the game. Of course any rule variation/combination can be used. Inaddition, initial and subsequent burn conditions (what triggers a burn)can be identical or different and can comprise any of the conditionsdescribed herein (or any others not described herein). If the dealer'scards do not meet the burn conditions then the dealer does not perform aburn and play continues using blackjack rules. Note that even though adealer total of 22 pushes all live bets on the table (where the dealerdid not bust), player blackjacks still win. While the below rules statethat aces can be split only once, in other embodiments aces can be splitmore than once (and up to four times in an embodiment). Dealers can alsostand on soft 17 in another embodiment. Note also that if the dealerdoes not have a predetermined up-card which triggers a dealer peek atthe dealer's hole-card then the dealer would not peek at the dealer'shole-card (because the dealer would have no reason to peek because aburn would be impossible). “Suited ace” in Table III refers to the samesuit as the 10-up card.

TABLE III On the initial deal: with a 10-up, dealer peeks and onlyburns: another 10 or a suited ace; After a first burn: with a 10-up,dealer peeks and only burns: another 10 or any ace; After a first burn:with an ace-up, dealer peeks and only burns: any 10. Player are allowedto double on any number of cards One card to resplit aces Aces splitonly once Blackjacks pay 3/2 Players are allowed to double aftersplitting Players are allowed to take Insurance against a dealer AceDealer will hit soft 17 Dealer will push all bets on a total of 22(except player blackjacks will still win)

FIG. 3A is a drawing illustrating a gaming table, according to anembodiment.

A physical gaming table (typically made of wood with felt on top withthe layout imprinted on it) is used to play the game in a physical realworld casino. One example of a table that can be used in a physicalcasino is illustrated in U.S. Design patent D263,975 which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The layout on top ofthe felt has imprinted on it seven betting circles as illustrated inFIG. 3A, each betting circle is where the respective player can placetheir chips (wager). The felt can be green and the imprinted bettingcircles can be white, although of course any color scheme can be used.Such a table can accommodate any number of players (such as seven asillustrated) or any other number (e.g. 2-10). All players playsimultaneously against the dealer as known in the art. A player's hand302 and a dealer's hand 301 are shown. A player's wager 303 is shown inthe form of a chip or chips and is placed inside the player's bettingcircle. The dealer's area can also accommodate a physical card readerfor reading the dealer's hole card as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,681,039, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for allpurposes. The physical card reader can be an electronic card readerwhich electronically scans a face down card and lights up a particularlight (e.g., LED, etc.) if the face down card is a 10 or ace (whichwould give the dealer blackjack when the dealer's up-card is an ace or10 respectively) otherwise a different light (e.g., a “green light”)lights up telling the dealer that the hole-card does not give the dealerblackjack and thus the dealer can continue dealing.

While not shown, the game can also be offered with any type ofadditional side bet in order to generate more action for the casino andmore excitement for the players. Also not pictured in FIG. 3A is anelectronic mechanical shuffler such as that described in U.S. Pat. No.8,025,294 which is incorporated by reference here in its entirety whichcan optionally be used by the dealer to shuffle the deck or decks ofcards. Also not pictured in FIG. 3A is an optional shoe which the cardscan be placed into and dealt out of by the dealer, such as the shoedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,512 which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an electronic player trackingsystem associated with each gaming table, according to an embodiment.

When players play casino table games the casino can typically track theplayer so that the casino knows how much gaming action a player isgiving the casino and hence how much to reward each player withcomplimentaries (free or discounted rooms, food, etc.) Such a system isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,817, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety for all purposes. Each player can have their ownplayers card which is a plastic card that has their name imprinted on itand computer readable indicia (e.g., a magnetic stripe) which stores anidentification number of the player's card (and hence the identificationnumber of the player who owns the card). The player's card can be swipedthrough an electronic card readers 323, 325, 326 which can be electronicread and the data therein transmitted to the associated computer.

A gaming table A 320 (which can be used to play any method describedherein) and a gaming table B 321 (which can be used to play any methoddescribed herein) can be associated with a pit 322 (which has its owncomputer) which has a card reader 323 to read the electronically encodedinformation on a player's card (the card reader can also be located atthe tables themselves) and transmit the information to an associatedcomputer which can communicate information contained on the player'scard (e.g., an identification number of the player associated with thecard) to the electronic database 324 along with play data relating tothe player who owns the player's card. Table A 320 has its own cardreader 325 and associated computer (the one next to card reader 325which receives information from the card reader 325) and table B 321also has its own card reader 326 and associated computer (the one nextto card reader 326 which receives information from the card reader 326).The computers at table A 320 and table B 321 are connected to theelectronic database 324. Casino employees can enter data regarding eachplayer's play (for those players that present a players card) into acomputer at the table or at the pit which transmits the play data (e.g.,average bet amount, time of play, etc.) to the electronic casinodatabase 524 that stores playing history information for players at thecasino. The computers illustrated in FIG. 3B can all have the structureas illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating hardware that can be used toimplement electronic versions of the wagering methods described herein,according to an embodiment. The hardware can be, for example, anelectronic gaming machine (EGM) used in casinos. The hardware can alsobe a personal computer, playing the game using the Internet at anInternet casino for real money. The hardware can also be a digitalcasino table, for example the kind described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,775,887,which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The hardwarecan also be any computing device, such as a cellular phone, tablet,etc., and the methods described herein can be installed as software(e.g., an app) on the device. The hardware can also be any other type ofdevice, working individually or in conjunction with other devices.

A processing unit 400 (such as a microprocessor and any associatedcomponents) is connected to an output device 401 (such as an LCDmonitor, touch screen, CRT, etc.) and an input device 402 (e.g.,buttons, a touch screen, a keyboard, mouse, etc.) All methods describedherein can be performed by the processing unit 400 by loading andexecuting respective instructions. The processing unit 400 can also beconnected to a network connection 403, which can connect the electronicgaming device to a computer communications network such as the Internet,a LAN, WAN, etc. The processing unit 400 is also connected to a RAM 404and a ROM 405. The processing unit 400 is also connected to a storagedevice 406 which can be a DVD-drive, CD-ROM, flash memory, etc. Multiplesuch processing units can also work in collaboration with each other (ina same or different physical location). A computer readable storagemedium 407 can store a program which can control the electronic deviceto perform any of the methods described herein. The processing unit 400can also be connected to a financial apparatus 408 which can receivecash and convert the received cash into playable credits for use by theplayer when playing the electronic device. When the player decides tocash out any remaining credits, the financial apparatus 408 can issuecoins or a cashless ticket (voucher) for the remaining credits which isredeemable by the player.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary networkconfiguration to implement a player playing an online version of themethods described herein. All the methods described herein can beimplemented on an online casino for real money (or non-cash valuecredits). A player uses a computer 410 (e.g., cell phone, tablet, PC,etc.) can connect to a server 411 using a computer communicationsnetwork such as the Internet. The server 411 hosts an online casinowhich determines the outcomes of the game and serves the outcomes to thecomputer 410 so the computer 410 displays the outcomes to the player.The configuration of online casinos is well known in the art.

An example of the game will now be presented to help illustrate thegame. Bob bets (operation 100) $1 and is dealt (operation 102) a5-diamonds/ace-spades (note that typically in standard blackjack thesuits are not relevant). The dealer is dealt (operation 102) an up-cardof 9-hearts and a face down hole-card. Since the up-card is not a10-valued card, the game continues normally. Bob hits (operation 106)and receives a 3-hearts. The dealer turns over the hole-card (operation112) which is a 9-spades. Since Bob's point total of 19 beats thedealer's point total of 18, Bob wins (operation 120) and is paid $1 andBob's original $1 wager remains (thus Bob can remove $2 from the tablefor a net profit of $1).

As another example, Sara bets (operation 100) $1 and is dealt (operation102) a 2-clubs/8-diamonds, and the dealer is dealt (operation 102) anup-card of 10-hearts and a face down hole-card. Since it is determined(operation 200) that the up-card is a 10-valued card, the dealer peeks(operation 202) at the hole-card (operation 202) and determines(operation 202) that the hole-card is a 10-clubs. Since the dealer hasan initial hand of two 10-cards, the dealer turns over (operation 204,part of the burn) the hole-card to reveal to all of the players thedealer's hand, then the dealer burns (operation 204) the two card handof 20 (typically by placing these two cards in the discard rack), andthe dealer now deals (operation 204) the dealer a new up-card (of5-diamonds) and hole-card. Sara now decides to double (operation 104,doubling not pictured) and places another $1 wager up and is dealt a5-clubs. The dealer now reveals (operation 112) the hole-card to be a10-spades and the dealer hits and receives a 5-spades. Since thedealer's total of 20 is higher than Sara's total of 15, Sara loses(operation 130) both $1 wagers (for a total of $2) and these $2 inwagers are taken by the dealer and kept by the house.

It is further noted that other card values for the determinations inoperations 200 and 202 can be used (other than those described above).For example, card values can be checked for different values (individualvalues or a set of different values) in combination with suits, colors,etc.

In a further embodiment, if the dealer's final total is a preset totalthen the dealer would automatically burn a card and continue resolvingthe dealer's hand. For example, if the dealer's total is a 21 (a presettotal) then the dealer would burn (remove a card and continue dealing).Thus, a dealer's 21 (which is bad for the players) could be turned intoanother dealer's hand (which may be better for the players).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of burning adealer's card when the dealer's final total is a preset total, accordingto an embodiment.

In FIG. 5, FIG. 1 is constructively inserted into FIG. 5. Operation 114in FIG. 5 is the same operation 114 as in FIG. 1. Instead of operation114 proceeding to operation 122 in case of a “YES”, operation 114 nowproceeds to operation 500 in case of a “YES”.

In operation 500, it is determined if the dealer's total (the dealer'sfinal point total) equals a preset total. The preset total is a singlepoint total (typically from 18 to 21) that is predetermined before thestart of the game (and forms part of the public game rules). In afurther embodiment, operation 500 can compare if the dealer's totalequals one of a set of preset totals (e.g., 17-18, 17 and 19, etc.)

If in operation 500, the dealer's total does not equal the preset totalthen the method proceeds to operation 122, wherein the game proceedsnormally.

If in operation 500, the dealer's total equals the preset total, thenthe method proceeds to operation 501, which burns a dealer's card in thedealer's hand. The card burned can be the last card dealt to the dealer.In another embodiment, the card burned can be the dealer's hole card. Inanother embodiment, the card burned can be the dealer's up-card. Theburned card is removed from the dealer's hand and does not count in thedealer's point total, and then the method returns to operation 114. Inanother embodiment, from operation 501 the method proceeds to operation116.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the decision to burn a dealer'scard does not depend on how many cards are in the dealer's hand. Thisembodiment may be very strong for the player, since if the dealer isinitially dealt (the two initial dealer's cards) the preset total, oneof the cards would be burned. For example, if the preset total is 21,and the dealer is initially dealt two face cards or a blackjack, thenthis would qualify as being the preset total and a dealer's card wouldbe burned and then the method would continue to deal a replacement cardto the dealer in operation 116.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of burning adealer's card when the dealer's final total is a preset total and thedealer's hand is form using more than two cards, according to anembodiment.

In FIG. 6, FIG. 1 is constructively inserted into FIG. 6. Operation 114in FIG. 6 is the same operation 114 as in FIG. 1. Instead of operation114 proceeding to operation 122 in case of a “YES”, operation 114 nowproceeds to operation 600 in case of a “YES”.

In operation 600, it is determined whether the number of cards in thedealer's hand is greater than 2. If the number of cards in the dealer'shand is not greater than 2 (the dealer is standing on the dealer'sinitially dealt hand such as if the dealer was initially dealt a pointtotal of 17-21), then the method proceeds to operation 122 and the gamecontinues normally. This is because in this embodiment, one of thedealer's cards is burned only if the dealer draws to the preset total(if the dealer was initially dealt the preset total then a dealer's cardwould not be burned and the game would proceed normally to operation122). If the number of dealer's cards is greater than 2, then the methodproceeds to operation 601. For example, if the dealer was initiallydealt a 10 and a 5 and the dealer drew a 6, this would be three dealer'scards (greater than 2). In operation 601, it is determined if thedealer's total equals the preset total. The preset total is a singlepoint total (typically from 18 to 21) that is predetermined before thestart of the game (and forms part of the public game rules). In afurther embodiment, operation 500 can compare if the dealer's totalequals one of a set of preset totals (e.g., 17-18, 17 and 19, etc.) Ifin operation 601, the dealer's total is not equal to the preset totalthen the method proceeds to operation 122 wherein no dealer's card isburned and the game continues normally.

If in operation 601, it is determined that the dealer's total equals thepreset total then the method proceeds to operation 602 which burns adealer's card in the dealer's hand. The card burned can be the last carddealt to the dealer. In another embodiment, the card burned can be thedealer's hole card. In another embodiment, the card burned can be thedealer's up-card. The burned card is removed from the dealer's hand anddoes not count in the dealer's point total, and then the method returnsto operation 114. In another embodiment, from operation 602 the methodproceeds to operation 116.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the dealer wouldcontinuously burn cards as needed in accordance with the flowchart. In afurther embodiment, the dealer would only burn a card one time. Thus, ifthe dealer burned a card (in operations 501 or 602), the dealer wouldnot burn another card in the same game. Thus, in FIG. 5, operation 500would determine whether A) the dealer's total equals the preset totaland B) operation 501 had not already been performed in this game. Thus,in operation 500 if operation 501 had already been performed (a dealer'scard had already been burned during the same game) then thereafteroperation 500 would always proceed to operation 122 (no further dealer'scards would be burned). In FIG. 6, operation 600 would determine whetherA) the number of dealer's cards is greater than 2 and B) the operation602 had not already been performed in the same game. Thus, in operation600 if operation 602 had already been performed (a dealer's card hadalready been burned during the same game) then thereafter operation 600would always proceed to operation 122 (no further dealer's cards wouldbe burned). In another embodiment, instead of only allowing one card tobe burned, another predetermined amount of cards would be the limit tobe burned. For example, the dealer would burn a maximum of 2 (or 3,etc.) cards in the same game before the dealer would no longer burn anycards and stay on their hand (even though it would be the preset total).

Some examples of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 will now bepresented (with the preset total being 21). In a first example, Bartplaces a $1 wager. The dealer deals Bart a 10-spades and 5-hearts(player's hand) and the dealer is dealt a dealer's hand of 8-hearts andhole-card (face down). Bart decides to hit and receives a 4-spades for atotal of 19, and then Bart stands. The dealer then reveals the dealer'shole-card to be a 5 for a point total of 13. Since 13 is less than 17,the dealer hits and deals a 8-spades for a point total of 21. Since thedealer's point total of 21 equals the preset total (21) then the dealerburns the last card dealt (the 8-spades) by discarding the 8-spadeswhich no longer counts as part of the dealer's point total and thedealer deals himself a third card of 5-spades for a point total of 18.Since the dealer's point total of 18 is higher than 17 (operation 114)the dealer does not need to deal himself any additional cards and thusthe dealer stands. Since Bart's point total of 19 is higher than thedealer's point total of 18, Bart wins the blackjack game and wins a $1payout (so Bart now has $2 in chips on the table he can keep). Note thatif the dealer's point total of 21 was achieved on a number of dealercards greater than three, the procedure would still be the same (thedealer would burn the last card dealt and continue resolving thedealer's hand).

In a further example, Homer places a $1 wager. The dealer deals home a10-spades/10-hearts. The dealer deals himself a 10-hearts (upcard) and ahole-card face down. Homer stands. The dealer then reveals the hole-cardto be an ace, for a point total of 21. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6 (which requires more than two dealer cards to initiate a burn),the dealer would not burn a card (even though the dealer's point totalequals the preset total of 21) because the dealer's hand is not made ofmore than 2 cards. Thus, the dealer wins and Homer loses the $1 wager.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 (in which a dealer would burn acard regardless of how many cards are in the dealer's hand), twooutcomes could possibly result depending on the embodiment. In oneembodiment, a dealer blackjack (an initially dealt hand of ace and ten)always wins (unless the player is also dealt a blackjack in which theresult is a push) and thus Homer would lose the $1 wager. In a secondembodiment of FIG. 5, the dealer would burn the last card (either thehole-card or the up-card) and deal a new card to the dealer and thedealer continues to play out the dealer's hand resuming at operation114.

In yet another example, Marge places a $1 bet. The dealer deals Marge a2-spades/9-hearts. The dealer deals himself a 9-clubs and a hole-card.Marge doubles and places another $1 bet and is dealt a 8-spades for apoint total of 19. The dealer now reveals the hole-card to be a 2-clubs.Since the dealer's point total of 11 is less than 17, the dealer hitsand draws a 10-spades for a point total of 21. Since 21 is the presettotal, the dealer burns the last card (10-spades) and now deals anotherthird card of 3-diamonds for a total of 14. The dealer now hits again(since 14 is less than 17) and deals himself a 7-diamonds for a pointtotal of 21. In a first embodiment, the dealer would not burn a secondtime in the same game and thus the dealer's hand of 21 is final andbeats Marge's point total of 19 (thus Marge loses the $2 in wagers). Ina second embodiment, the dealer would burn a second time in the samegame and thus the dealer would burn the last card of 7-diamonds and nowdeals a 10-diamonds which gives the dealer a point total of 24 which isa bust and thus Marge wins (operation 120) $2 (she now has $4 in chipson the table she can keep) and the game ends. Note that in one variationof this second embodiment, the dealer can burn as many times as neededin the same game. In another variation of this second embodiment, thedealer has an upper limit of how many burns the dealer is permitted toperform in the same game (e.g., 3) before the dealer will no longer burnand will rest with the final total equal to the preset total.

It is noted that the methods described herein can be played with anynumber of standard decks of 52 cards (e.g., 1 deck to 10 decks). Astandard deck is a collection of cards comprising an Ace, two, three,four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, jack, queen, king, for each offour suits (comprising spades, diamonds, clubs, hearts) totaling 52cards. Cards can be shuffled or a continuous shuffling machine (CSM) canbe used. A standard deck of 52 cards can be used, as well as other kindsof decks, such as Spanish decks, decks with wild cards, etc. Theoperations described herein can be performed in any sensible order.Furthermore, numerous different variants of house rules can be applied.

Methods described herein can also be played on a physical table usingphysical cards and physical chips used to place wagers. Such physicalchips can be directly redeemable for cash. When a player wins (dealerloses) the player's wager, the dealer will pay that player a respectivepayout amount. When a player loses (dealer wins) the player's wager, thedealer will take (collect) that wager from the player and typicallyplace those chips in the dealer's chip rack. All rules, embodiments,features, etc. of a game being played are typically communicated to theplayer (e.g., verbally or on a written rule card) before the gamebegins.

Initial cash deposits can be made into the electronic gaming machinewhich converts cash into electronic credits. Wagers can be placed in theform of electronic credits, which can be cashed out for real coins or aticket (e.g., ticket-in-ticket-out) which can be redeemed at a casinocashier or kiosk for real cash and/or coins.

Any description of a component or embodiment herein also includeshardware, software, and configurations which already exist in the priorart and may be necessary to the operation of such component(s) orembodiment(s).

Further, the operations described herein can be performed in anysensible order. Any operations not required for proper operation can beoptional. Further, all methods described herein can also be stored on acomputer readable storage to control a computer. All variations andfeatures described herein can be combined with any other featuresdescribed herein without limitation.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, sincenumerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilledin the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exactconstruction and operation illustrated and described, and accordinglyall suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, fallingwithin the scope of the invention.

1. A method for implementing a blackjack game in a physical casino, themethod comprising: providing the physical casino with a physical gamingtable with a felt layout on top of the gaming table which includes aplurality of betting circles imprinted into the felt layout; providingone or more physical decks of cards; receiving a wager from a player inthe form of one or more physical chips in a player's betting circle outof the plurality of betting circles; dealing, using the one or morephysical decks of cards, a player's hand and a dealer's hand; enablingthe player to play out the player's hand; providing dealer handresolution rules that comprise: A) if a point total of the dealer's handis greater than a predetermined amount then proceed to operation Cotherwise deal an additional card to the dealer's hand; B) if the pointtotal of the dealer's hand is greater than 21 then the dealer busts andthe dealer hand resolution ends otherwise return to operation A), C) ifa number of cards in the dealer's hand is not greater than 2 then thedealer hand resolution ends otherwise proceed to operation D, D) if thepoint total of the dealer's hand does not equal a preset total then thedealer hand resolution ends otherwise burn a card in the dealer's handand continue to resolve the dealer's hand; implementing the dealer handresolution rules; and resolving the wager according to predeterminedblackjack rules.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the presettotal is
 21. 3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the dealerhand resolution rules further comprise that the continue to resolve thedealer's hand returns to operation A with no limit to a number ofdealer's cards that are potentially burned.
 4. The method as recited inclaim 1, wherein the dealer hand resolution rules further comprise thatthe continue to resolve the dealer's hand returns to operation A with apredetermined maximum number of dealer's cards that can be burnedwhereupon operation D then ends the dealer hand resolution.
 5. Themethod as recited in claim 1, wherein the dealer hand resolution rulesfurther comprise that when a dealer's card is burned another dealer'scard is dealt automatically.
 6. The method as recited in claim 5,wherein the dealer hand resolution rules further comprise that thecontinue to resolve the dealer's hand returns to operation A with nolimit to a number of dealer's cards that are potentially burned.
 7. Themethod as recited in claim 5, wherein the dealer hand resolution rulesfurther comprise that the continue to resolve the dealer's hand returnsto operation A with a predetermined maximum number of dealer's cardsthat can be burned whereupon operation D then ends the dealer handresolution.
 8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the card burnedin the dealer's hand is a last card dealt to the dealer.
 9. The methodas recited in claim 1, wherein the card burned in the dealer's hand is adealer's up-card.
 10. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the cardburned in the dealer's hand is a dealer's hole-card.
 11. An electronicapparatus for implementing a blackjack game, the apparatus comprising: aprocessing unit in communication with an input device and an outputdevice, the processing unit configured to execute instructions to:receive a wager from a player; deal a player's hand and a dealer's hand;enable the player to play out the player's hand; provide dealer handresolution rules that comprise: A) if a point total of the dealer's handis greater than a predetermined amount then proceed to operation Cotherwise deal an additional card to the dealer's hand; B) if the pointtotal of the dealer's hand is greater than 21 then the dealer busts andthe dealer hand resolution ends otherwise return to operation A), C) ifa number of cards in the dealer's hand is not greater than 2 then thedealer hand resolution ends otherwise proceed to operation D, D) if thepoint total of the dealer's hand does not equal a preset total then thedealer hand resolution ends otherwise burn a card in the dealer's handand continue to resolve the dealer's hand; implement the dealer handresolution rules; and resolve the wager according to predeterminedblackjack rules.
 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein theprocessing unit is further configured such that the preset total is 21.13. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the processing unit isfurther configured such that the dealer hand resolution rules furthercomprise that the continue to resolve the dealer's hand returns tooperation A with no limit to a number of dealer's cards that arepotentially burned.
 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, whereinthe processing unit is further configured such that the dealer handresolution rules further comprise that the continue to resolve thedealer's hand returns to operation A with a predetermined maximum numberof dealer's cards that can be burned whereupon operation D then ends thedealer hand resolution.
 15. The apparatus as recited in claim 11,wherein the processing unit is further configured such that the dealerhand resolution rules further comprise that when a dealer's card isburned another dealer's card is dealt automatically.
 16. The apparatusas recited in claim 15, wherein the processing unit is furtherconfigured such that the dealer hand resolution rules further comprisethat the continue to resolve the dealer's hand returns to operation Awith no limit to a number of dealer's cards that are potentially burned.17. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein the processing unit isfurther configured such that the dealer hand resolution rules furthercomprise that the continue to resolve the dealer's hand returns tooperation A with a predetermined maximum number of dealer's cards thatcan be burned whereupon operation D then ends the dealer handresolution.
 18. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein theprocessing unit is further configured such that the card burned in thedealer's hand is a last card dealt to the dealer.
 19. A method forimplementing a blackjack game, the method comprising: enabling thefollowing operations to be performed on an electronic computer connectedto an electronic output device: placing a wager by a player using theelectronic computer; viewing, by the player on the electronic outputdevice, a player's hand and a dealer's hand; playing out, by the player,the player's hand; watching, by the player, the dealer resolve thedealer's hand according to dealer hand resolution rules that comprise:A) if a point total of the dealer's hand is greater than a predeterminedamount then proceed to operation C otherwise deal an additional card tothe dealer's hand; B) if the point total of the dealer's hand is greaterthan 21 then the dealer busts and the dealer hand resolution endsotherwise return to operation A), C) if a number of cards in thedealer's hand is not greater than 2 then the dealer hand resolution endsotherwise proceed to operation D, D) if the point total of the dealer'shand does not equal a preset total then the dealer hand resolution endsotherwise burn a card in the dealer's hand and continue to resolve thedealer's hand; watching, by the player, a resolution of the wageraccording to predetermined blackjack rules.
 20. The method as recited inclaim 19, wherein the before the enabling, the method further comprisesconnecting, by the player, the computer to an online casino using theInternet.